Curse

Welcome to the second Minecraft Spotlight of this week! In this issue we will be featuring "Deadbolt", a plugin created by md_5 and daemitus.

Deadbolt makes it possible for players to protect their chests, doors, and more!

Once this plugin is installed on your server, players can easily lock their chests by placing a sign labelled [Private] next to it; after which their name will be added automatically. They can then decide whether or not to give others access as well.

In addition to chests, the following blocks can be protected as well:

• Furnace
• Dispenser
• Door
• Trapdoor
• Cauldron
• Enchantment table
• Brewing stand

After placing the sign, it can be edited by right-clicking it and following the instructions. This can come in useful when players would like to add their friends' names to the list in order to give them access. If the names do not fit on one sign, additional ones labelled [More Users], can be placed to add more names.

Rather than locking chests and other blocks, the plugin can also be used for protecting individual blocks against destruction. For example, a chest can be protected without denying anyone access by placing the following sign on it:

[Private]
<Your name>
[Everyone]

Aside from locking doors, it is also possible to use a sign as an alternative to buttons and levers for opening iron doors. When a Deadbolt sign is placed above one of these doors, it can be opened the same way as a regular wooden door.
If the door requires additional security, a custom timer can be added to have it shut automatically. This timer can be combined with the [Everyone] tag mentioned previously.

Deadbolt is a highly recommended plugin that allows players to lock their chests easily by using signs. On top of that, it lets them protect certain blocks against destruction and create timed doors!

We also had the opportunity to interview md_5, the leader of the project. Be sure to continue reading to learn more about the development process behind Deadbolt!

What inspired you to start this project?
This project was started as an alternative to the fading Lockette signlock plugin. It was my (md_5) first venture into plugin development for Minecraft and has been a great bridge to all the amazing things that I have no accomplished.

How was your plugin received by the community at its first public release?
When it was first released we had mixed opinions from the community as to whether it was a takeover etc of the aforementioned Lockette, however we had a lot of Lockette users switch due to increased efficiency and advanced feature set.

Approximately how much time did it take to complete the first usable version of Deadbolt?
The first usuable version of Deadbolt was developed in perhaps 2 days, however from then on a plethora of new features was added. During initial development we got frustrated with some Bukkit bugs resulting in random blanking of signs. All requiring very creative solutions.

What was your favourite development tool for this project?
Our favourite development tool is a combination of SmartGit and Netbeans which Daemitus introduced me to, and are still my favourites even today. SmartGit makes creating clean Git commits a breeze, and Netbeans is really the best Java IDE given its superb maven Support.

Have you learned anything new from this project?
I myself learnt so much from the development of Deadbolt and it was a great step into plugin development for me, as I have now been able to create many awesome plugins and features. On that note, I spend a lot of time developing BungeeCord. Whilst not a plugin in itself, it is a monumental feat of Minecraft engineering, and allows server owners to have the fabled 'cloud' system whereby they can connect many servers together transparently. I am proud as it has the highest player to server ratio of any plugin/program.

In addition to your Minecraft plugins, have you ever released any custom content for other games?
I have never delved into development for other games because at the moment I am firmly at home with Minecraft, and enjoy working on the meta side of it, with custom software, servers and tools independant from plugins.

Besides your own creations, what are some of your favourite plugins from other developers and why?
Even though I am now technically a developer of the Essentials plugin, I have always marveled at the shear amount of usefullness that is in one plugin. Whenever I am playing on servers, War is definitely the most entertaining, allowing for versatile capture the flag and other minigames to be created.

Do you have any advice for other potential plugin developers?
For potential plugin developers, the first key is originality. Except for a few cases, creating a kit or gamemode plugin is ok, and a great way to learn, however then releasing it to the public is not. There are many plugins, both big and small that can do the same thing. I myself wasmostly self taught, but asking questions on IRC, or reading a book about programming are great places to learn. Age does not matter. I have seen amazing plugins released by both 14 years olds and 44 year olds. Its about getting involved with the community and getting your mod or plugin out there!

Many thanks to md_5 and daemitus for creating this plugin and for participating in our interview!

Thanks to MadPixel for the Minecrafter font.